Estancias near Buenos Aires

Many of the province's finest estancias can be visited relatively easily from Buenos Aires, either to spend a day (día de campo) or longer. Día de campousually includes horse riding, or riding in a horse-drawn carriage over the estancia's lands, followed by lunch. This is usually a traditional asado, often cooked outside with half a cow speared over an open fire: quite a spectacle and absolutely delicious. In the afternoon you may be treated to demonstrations of farm life, music and dancing from the region, or you might just choose to walk in the beautiful grounds of the estancia, read under a tree or swim in the pool. To really appreciate the luxury or peace of an estancia, an overnight stay is recommended. Most places are still run as working farms by their owners, who will welcome you personally, and staying with them gives you a unique insight into Argentine rural life and history. Several good websites with details of estanciasare: www.turismo.gov.ar, www.caminodelgaucho.com.ar, and www.raturestancias.com.ar.

There are many estancias grouped around the attractive towns of San Antonio de Areco, Chascomús and Dolores, all listed under Buenos Aires Province.